Three-foot bike law

What: Prohibits drivers passing a bicycle from passing at a distance of less than three feet. If drivers are unable to comply, drivers must slow and pass when doing so would not endanger the safety of the cyclist.

Takes effect: Sept. 16, 2014

Bill, code: AB1371, Section 21750

Penalties: $35 for violation; $220 if cyclist is injured.

Judging by the deluge of emails following a column about a new law requiring drivers to leave 3 feet of space when passing cyclists, drivers care passionately about safety.

The same people encased in a ton of steel tell me they fear cyclists. Yes, fear. More than anything, drivers fear hurting a cyclist.

At the same time, do cyclists have the same passion for safety?

Hard to tell. I know many do. But some seem to care little.

I asked cyclists to help spread the word about the law. I heard barely a peep.

Dozens of drivers said they are frustrated with cyclists’ scofflaw attitudes and behaviors that endanger both drivers and cyclists. One reader went so far as to suggest amending the 3-foot law to a 3-inch law until cyclists clean up their act.

Still, reader comments reveal an attitudinal shift since I first reported nearly a decade ago that Orange County averages a cycling death a month. Where there once was vitriol, there now is more of a “share the road” attitude.

Ruth Henry of Huntington Beach points out a concern most drivers have: “I have a terrible fear of hitting someone on a bike and I am extra cautious.”

Henry asks road cyclists to “stay inside the bike lane (as much as possible), stop for stop signs instead of blowing through them, stop texting or talking on their cell phones and take those earphones out of their ears so they can hear traffic.”

Here’s more on what drivers say, points that cyclists can learn. My answers to questions appear in italics:

Sharon Crowther, Huntington Beach

I am totally supportive of the three-feet rule, but would like to know what responsibility the bicyclists have. Sure, many drivers should be more cautious when driving close to bicyclists. But we see bicyclists riding on the bike lane’s white stripe. These riders are creating a safety issue. What does the law say?

DW:Bicycles have the same rights as motor vehicles on the road. Cyclists are required to use bike lanes when available, but they may leave bike lanes to avoid debris, turning and when overtaking a person, vehicle or bicycle.

David Flesner, Laguna Niguel

On Laguna Canyon Road, I drive in the left lane because the cyclists are unpredictable. But in some areas the road is designed so cars in that right lane are about one foot from the bike lane and one foot from the line dividing two car lanes. What to do?

DW:Some bike lanes are poorly designed and dangerously narrow. Regardless, the new law requires vehicles to slow until safe passing is practicable. If you’re not passing, the law doesn’t apply. Please see box for more.

Lois, Barry Adams, Irvine

Many cyclists ride three to four abreast in the bike lane and often spill into the car lane. How are we supposed to handle passing these groups? Also, is it three feet from the rider or three feet from the bike lane?

DW:It’s three feet from the rider. Passing groups of bicyclists can be scary and challenging. Again, the law requires drivers to slow until passing is safe.

Related Links

With a safety cushion among cyclists and cars, Jonathan Marshall leads a group of cyclists up one of the toughest hills along Santiago Canyon with Hugo Rico directly behind. FILE PHOTO, DAVID WHITING
A sign along Santiago Canyon Road where teacher Christy Kirkwood was killed reminds drivers to share the road. A new law requires that drivers stay three feet from cyclists. FILE PHOTO, DAVID WHITING
Pete Van Nuys, founder of the Orange County Bicycle Coalition, teaches and advocates cycling safety. Here, he wears a rear-view mirror on his helmet. FILE PHOTO, DAVID WHITING

1 of

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.